Colonel Lloyd Rondall Cain (US Army ret.)

Colonel Lloyd Rondall Cain (US Army, ret.), 97, of Jefferson City passed away Monday, February 24, 2020, at his residence surrounded by loved ones.

Lloyd was born Feb 2nd, 1923 to Carlos Bert and Lura Hollars Cain at Bloomfield, Indiana. He was reared on a farm two miles WNW of Switz City, Indiana and he attended Switz City High School (graduated 1941) where he played clarinet in the Band and was active in 4 H Club activities.

After graduation from High School, Lloyd began attending Purdue University on an agricultural scholarship and was an active member of the Purdue University Corps and Symphonic Bands, playing the clarinet.

He finished two years of college and—after enlisting in the Army—was called to active duty in 1943. He trained in anti-aircraft school for 18 months before transferring to the infantry and eventually was assigned to the 100th Division at Ft. Bragg, N.C., in September 1944. A month later he found himself on a troop ship bound for service in Europe.

In France, Lloyd was sent beyond the American line to observe enemy activity and direct mortar fire against enemy emplacements. Leaving the relative safety of his own defensive position, Lloyd would move forward, identify the enemy location and fire white phosphorous rounds in an effort to clear the Germans out of their foxholes. His actions often left him exposed to enemy mortar fire and he would often have to retreat back toward the American line. After four incursions into German-held territory, Lloyd’s actions were able to effectively halt the German advance. In recognition of his selfless and courageous efforts, he was awarded the Silver Star—the third-highest U.S. combat decoration, in Frankfurt, Germany on July 4, 1947.

A few months later, in May 1945, Lloyd received another profound distinction when he was given a battlefield commission, resulting in a promotion to the rank of second lieutenant. He remained in Europe until November 1947, when he was reassigned to Ft. Dix, N.J.

In 1952, Lloyd received orders to deploy in support of the Korean War. Assigned as a heavy mortar commander for the 40th Infantry Division, 224th Infantry Regiment, he received a Purple Heart for minor injuries incurred as the result of a mortar blast.

In 1965 he deployed to Vietnam to serve a one-year stint as the senior army advisor to the commandant of the Army Infantry School in Saigon.

During the final three years of his career, he served as the senior army advisor with the Missouri National Guard Headquarters in Jefferson City. In 1976, he retired from the military as a colonel with 33 years of service.

He had a well-decorated and extensive military career, and was awarded: the Silver Star (Hottviller, France), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (3), Army Commendation Medal (3), Purple Heart; Good Conduct Medal (Enlisted Service); Republic Vietnam Medal of Honor; Missouri Legion of Merit ; 3 Campaign Battlestars (Europe): 3 Battlestars (Korea): and 3 Battlestars (Republic of Vietnam) Combat Infantry Man Badge (2) WWII, and Korea Expert Parachute Badge.

To honor the sacrifices made in support of the liberation of France, Lloyd was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal in January 2012.

While serving his country, he also graduated with bachelor degrees from Maryland University (1956) and Jacksonville State University (1958) as well as doing some post graduate work at University of Missouri (1976-78).

He married his first wife, Regina Warnick, an Army nurse, at Fort Dix N.J. on July 17th, 1948. Regina preceded Lloyd in death on December 15, 1986.

He married his second wife, Jeanne Wilson, on March 28, 1988. Jeanne preceded him in death on November 16, 2012.

He is survived by 7 children: Karl Joseph Cain (Victoria) of San Diego, CA; Mary Ann Cain (Dave Russell) of Flagstaff, AZ; Michael Anthony Cain (Margaret Ann) of Denver, CO; John Patrick Cain (Elizabeth) of Monrovia, CA; Carol Sue Cain (James Botts) of Benicia, CA; Robert Andrew Cain (Madhu) of Dyer, IN; and Peggy Ann Milam (Mark) Ramstein AFB, Germany.

And 4 step-children: Michael Wilson (Deborah) of Jefferson City, MO; James Wilson (Nancy) of Macon, MO; Philip Wilson II (Wanda) of Jefferson City; and Margaret Wilson (Charles Lemley) of Kirksville, MO.

He is survived by 17 grandchildren: Sarah; Robin; Keli; Skyler; Paul; Christian; Anneke; Robert; Elizabeth; Brian; Christopher; Kathryn; Philip; Christine; Charles; Mary Kate; and Benjamin; 10 great-grandchildren: Adeline; Josephine; Cole; Caleb; Drew; Beau; Colin; Adam; Nathan; and Pixie.

Lloyd has 2 sisters who survive him: Mary Lucille Kindig of Homewood, IL; and Ruby Maxine Lee of Clearwater, FL.

And 1 sister who preceded him in death: Louise Gene Estes of Boulder, CO on May 26, 2017.

Lloyd will be remembered for his quick wit, deep faith, and love of family and nature.

Visitation will be 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with the Rev. Louis M. Nelen officiating.

Burial with military honors will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.